The Rise of Gen Z as AI Literacy Champions in the Workplace
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an integral part of the modern workplace, it’s not merely technology experts or top executives driving this transformation; a new survey reveals that Gen Z employees are playing a pivotal role in promoting AI literacy among their colleagues. This generational shift is not just about technological adoption but about reshaping collaboration and workflows in hybrid environments.
Gen Z’s Impact: The Survey Insights
According to a June survey conducted by the International Workplace Group (IWG), nearly two-thirds of younger employees are actively engaging with older colleagues to help them learn and adopt AI tools. This survey, which included over 2,000 professionals from the United States and the United Kingdom, highlights how digital fluency among Gen Z is effectively bridging knowledge gaps in workplaces.
Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, noted that support from younger employees often manifests through hands-on guidance and tips on integrating AI into daily tasks. Such mentorship signifies the evolving role of younger staff as de facto AI coaches within their organizations.
Bridging Generations, Flattening Hierarchies
The survey results indicated that half of the respondents believe that AI helps to diminish generational divides at work. Senior directors reported that collaboration with younger colleagues allows them to refocus their energies on higher-value tasks. Notably, 82% acknowledged that AI innovations have opened new business opportunities.
Dixon emphasized that older colleagues are increasingly open to AI and willing to learn from younger generations. This reciprocal exchange creates a dynamic environment where traditional hierarchies are flattened, leading to a culture that values experience alongside tech-savvy insights. As younger employees guide their peers through new tools and processes, senior colleagues share their vast knowledge and strategic perspectives, nurturing overall growth.
AI’s Growing Role in Workplace Efficiency
The survey highlighted strong enthusiasm for the practicality of AI. About 86% of office workers reported increased efficiency due to AI, with 76% believing that these tools foster their career growth. Among Gen Z respondents, this figure rises to 87%, reflecting their eagerness to leverage technology for professional advancement. On average, workers cited saving 55 minutes each day due to AI assistance in tasks such as drafting emails, taking meeting notes, and completing forms. Such automation enables employees to shift focus from repetitive tasks to higher-impact work.
AI serves as especially valuable for hybrid teams. Nearly 69% of hybrid workers stated that AI facilitates teamwork across various locations. Additionally, 46% highlighted improved meeting preparation, while 36% noted that AI enhances access to shared insights and promotes better follow-ups after meetings.
A Cultural Shift in the Making
The findings suggest that AI has morphed from a distant technological novelty to a practical tool that is reshaping workplace culture. Gen Z’s proactive role in facilitating AI adoption helps organizations unlock productivity gains while encouraging intergenerational learning. By teaching others, younger employees are also honing their own skills, positioning themselves as leaders in this evolving tech-driven era.
Organizations navigating this transformation are realizing an important lesson: the success of AI adoption is strongest when collaboration, trust, and knowledge-sharing are prioritized. With Gen Z at the forefront, companies are discovering innovative ways to work smarter and more cohesively.
The Future of Work: A Collaborative AI-Driven Culture
Understanding the dynamics between generations in the workplace is essential for future-proofing organizations. The initiative taken by Gen Z to assist older colleagues in AI literacy represents not just a changing of the guard but a deeper cultural shift towards open collaboration. As workplaces continue to adapt, the impact of this generational synergy—rooted in technological fluency—will undoubtedly redefine what it means to work collectively in a digital-first era.